Alternative Names

How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture

How to Prepare for the Test

The health care provider may advise you to avoid drugs that may affect the test. Drugs that can decrease LH measurements include birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and testosterone.

If you are a woman of childbearing age, the test may need to be done on a specific day of your menstrual cycle.

How the Test Will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the Test is Performed

Your doctor may order this test if you are a woman who is having trouble getting pregnant, who does not have regular periods, or has signs of a disorder associated with abnormal levels of LH.

Normal Results

A normal result for am adult female is 5 to 25 IU/L. Levels peak around the middle of the menstrual cycle.

The examples above are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.